Because
Noelle found
her feet again, another widow can too.
Noelle’s story didn’t end with the help she received.
Thanks to people like you, it doesn’t have to end there for the next widow either.
This Remembrance Day, your gift can be the reason she finds out she isn’t facing it alone.
Looking back on 2003, Noelle was grieving, uncertain and unsure where a life without Tom would begin, like many widows still today. Then she connected with Melbourne Legacy. The Younger Widows Support Group became more than a lifeline through those first difficult months; it became a community she returned to through the milestones no one prepares you for the first Christmas, the first New Year, and the first decisions she had always made with Tom by her side. Melbourne Legacy also helped her navigate complicated Gold Card and War Widows Pension paperwork, which, in the depths of grief, could feel overwhelming.
Through those conversations with people who understood, something shifted. Noelle went from receiving support to becoming someone other widows could lean on. In 2010, she became a Legatee herself. Since then, she has supported others in countless ways, from being at the end of a phone after a difficult day, to sitting beside someone in a government office to help navigate the paperwork. She has given her all to the organisation that helped her find the confidence to stand on her own feet again, and was later awarded an OAM for the difference she has made.
But Noelle will tell you the real reward isn’t a commendation or a medal. It’s watching another widow find her feet, just as Legacy once helped her find hers. Because somewhere in Victoria today, there’s a widow standing where Noelle once stood. She may not know that support is there, or that a Legatee or Melbourne Legacy Case Manager can sit beside her and help her navigate what comes next.
She just knows the house is quieter than it used to be.
With your support, we can:
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Support children's education
by helping cover school fees, uniforms, tutoring, and supplies, giving them the best chance at a bright future.
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Assist with essential living expenses
for families facing financial hardship, ensuring they can meet their essential living costs, such as housing, groceries, and healthcare.
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Fund Legacy camps
where young people can connect with others who understand their experiences, build resilience, and create lasting memories in a supportive environment.
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Provide advocacy and community support
for individuals and families living with a disability, helping them access services, feel empowered, and stay connected to their community.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and kindness Legacy WA has shown us. It's more than just financial help, it's the feeling of being seen and supported. Knowing that there are people who genuinely care about our family's future gives us hope and stability during challenging times. Legacy WA truly makes a lasting impact, and we can't thank them enough.”
— Legacy Parent
